DTC likely to run buses under cluster scheme in Delhi

With an aim of tackling 'huge shortage' of buses in the national capital, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is likely to run buses under the cluster scheme on the lines of Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System (DIMTS) which currently operates orange buses.

New Delhi: With an aim of tackling 'huge shortage' of buses in the national capital, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is likely to run buses under the cluster scheme on the lines of Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System (DIMTS) which currently operates orange buses.

Transport Minister Gopal Rai said that DTC has prepared a proposal to run buses to be owned by corporate entities and government will soon take a decision in this regard.

According to a senior government official, there are over 20,000 registered buses in the capital, but out of which, around only 6000 buses, including DTC's 4555 buses and around 1,500 orange buses, are directly involved in ferrying passengers and the rest are plying under contract carriage.

"If DTC runs buses under cluster scheme, it will increase the numbers of buses and also facilitate the people of Delhi. Government is exploring the possibility of running buses under cluster scheme to meet shortage of buses in the national capital.

"Under the scheme, we will approach corporate entities who will run their buses, but to be operated by the DTC," Rai told PTI.

Delhiites have been facing difficulties in commuting due to shortage of buses in the capital. As per the court's order, both DTC and DIMTS, have to run 5,500 buses each in the capital.

The transport minister said that if proposal is cleared, DTC will divide the city into small clusters so that all areas could be covered under the scheme.

"As DTC doesn't have land for bus depots, we will make a provision in an agreement with concessionaires who will have to arrange land for parking their buses. With this, government will not have to look for land to park such buses," Rai also said.

At present, DTC buys buses and then operates them, but under cluster scheme, concessionaires will run their buses under the banner of DTC.

The DTC has also experience to run such types of buses as it used to operate private buses a few years ago under the same scheme, an official said.

Sources said that concessionaire-hired drivers will run these buses to be operated by DTC which will depute its conductors in the vehicles and DTC will pay the amount to concessionaire as per km scheme.

The official said that for instance, under one cluster, one concessionaire will be allowed to ply around 30-50 buses and with this, all areas will be divided into different clusters across the capital.